I just have to wade in on this because it makes me laugh... at myself :-) I shoot crap all the time. Or, better stated, my shots look like crap. In fact, I'm seriously thinking of publishing a coffee-table book of photos of crap - the working title is 'Deep Doo-Doo' (I shoot exclusively underwater. I'm really serious...)

While the camera doesn't make me better (I have proof) I will say that the quality (not composition or artistry) of my shots has improved with my upgrade from a good quality Canon P&S to the Sony Nex-5 (I know, some will argue that it's also a P&S - argue away when you flood your 5D and have to replace it, vs replacing my NEX-5.) I'm very happy with my purchase as it resolved issues with edge sharpness, chromatic aberrations, and other technical blocks. My pictures aren't any 'better', but I am happier with them. So, for me, the camera did improve something - my satisfaction. Does that count for anything?